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The New Orleans Saints lost the 2018 NFC championship game in large part to an officiating error: Los Angeles Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman interfered with Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis during a route, striking the defenseless receiver helmet-to-helmet well before the ball arrived, and without even attempting to make a play on the ball.

The NFL official watched it happened and did not call foul on any of the penalties Robey-Coleman committed, for which the NFL apologized postgame.

"Refs missed a blatant pass interference call against the Los Angeles Rams late in fourth quarter of Jan. 20 NFC Championship game, possibly costing New Orleans Saints a trip to the SuperBowl. Due to refs’ inability to properly officiate at the game, we the undersigned want a re-match against L.A. on Sunday, Jan. 27. It’s the only fair solution to this travesty of epic proportions."

By Tuesday morning, more than 500,000 signatures were attached to the petition directed toward NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. It’s less likely to work than the unsuccessful Rams fan petition to remove referee Bill Vinovich before the NFC championship game — which looks darkly funny in hindsight — but it’s still fascinating to see such an outpouring of grievances against the league.

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Saints tackle Jermain Bushrod reacts after the no call pass interference during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rams Safety catches an interception on a pass intended for Saints Michael Thomas during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rams Safety catches an interception on a pass intended for Saints Michael Thomas during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rams Safety catches an interception on a pass intended for Saints Michael Thomas during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints fan in disbelief of a bad call during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein kicks a field goal in overtime to win the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints tight end Dan Arnold dives for a ball during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints quarterback Drew Brees during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints quarterback Drew Brees is sacked by Rams Ndamukong Suh during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints quarterback Drew Brees throws a pass during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Michael Thomas runs the ball during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

The Saints defense celebrates in the endzone during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Michael Thomas celebrates a Garrett Griffin touchdown during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Taysom Hill scores a touchdown during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints AJ Klein makes a tackle during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints tight end Josh Hill runs the ball during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints tackle Jermain Bushrod reacts after the no call pass interference during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rams Tyler Higbee scores a touchdown during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints receiver Ted Ginn Jr. makes a catch for a first down and poses for a photo with Michael Thomas during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints quarterback Drew Brees during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints tackle Jermain Bushrod reacts after the no call pass interference during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rams corner back Nickell Robey-Coleman loses helmet breaking up a pass during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rams corner back Nickell Robey-Coleman loses helmet breaking up a pass during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rams corner back Nickell Robey-Coleman loses helmet breaking up a pass during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints quarterback Drew Brees during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Photojournalist Mark Wallheiser on the sidelines during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rams head coach Sean Mcvay during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints head coach Sean Payton during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints receiver Ted Ginn Jr makes a catch for a first down and poses for a photo with Michael Thomas during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints tight end Dan Arnold goes up for a pass in the endzone during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints tight end Dan Arnold goes up for a pass in the endzone during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints quarterback Drew Brees throws a pass during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Michael Thomas celebrates a Garrett Griffin touchdown during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Taysom Hill scores a touchdown during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints punter Thomas Morstead on the sideline during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Taysom Hill scores a touchdown during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rams players react after Greg Zuerlein field goal in overtime to win the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rams players react after Greg Zuerlein field goal in overtime to win the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Kicker Wil Lutz during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Kicker Wil Lutz during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

No penalty called as Rams linebacker Corey Littleton his Saints Tight end Josh Hill during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

No penalty called as Rams linebacker Corey Littleton his Saints Tight end Josh Hill during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

No penalty called as Rams linebacker Corey Littleton his Saints Tight end Josh Hill during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

No penalty called as Rams linebacker Corey Littleton his Saints Tight end Josh Hill during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Michael Thomas runs the ball during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Saints fans cheering during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

The Saintsations perform during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

The Saintsations perform during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Trey Hendrickson during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Jared Goff throws a pass to Brandon Cooks during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

The Saintsations perform during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network